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- Mama Grizzly Stops Traffic, The Boss Survives, and Banff’s Welcome Sign Disappears
Mama Grizzly Stops Traffic, The Boss Survives, and Banff’s Welcome Sign Disappears
🌟 What's On Banff - Events, Activities, Live Music & Good News! 😊
Kevin J
June 15, 2025
Hey Banff! Here’s What’s Happening This Week!
This week’s updates come with a full dose of heart, heartbreak, and high-altitude happenings.
We start with some sobering wildlife news. Two young female grizzlies were struck by trains near Lake Louise - one of them believed to be with Bear 122, "The Boss." The legendary bear has survived, once again, but the losses are a stark reminder of the challenges wildlife face.
Meanwhile, a heart-melting moment on Moraine Lake Road had traffic at a standstill as a mama grizzly and her cubs crossed peacefully in front of a shuttle. Caught on camera, it’s the kind of Banff magic that stops you in your tracks.
Elsewhere, the Town of Banff has taken down its iconic $350,000 welcome sign for G7 security reasons - a rare move ahead of world leaders arriving nearby.
There’s plenty more to enjoy too: gondola rides, park passes, foodie tours, open mic nights, and happy hour favourites. Scroll down for the full lineup of what’s on and what’s next!
📅 And exciting news! Our events calendar is now fully live.
It's your go-to source for local music, festivals, and everything happening around town. Check it out and send us your feedback - we’d love to hear what you think!
🗺️ Highlights: Saddle up and see Banff from the best seat in the park. Book your ride today! |  |
🏔️ Banff in Brief - Headlines this Week
🐻 Two female grizzlies were killed by trains in Banff. The Boss survives again.
In separate tragic incidents, two young female grizzlies were struck by trains near Lake Louise - one of them believed to be with famous Bear 122, "The Boss." Full story
📸 Banff entrance sign taken down for G7 security
The Town of Banff has temporarily removed its iconic $350,000 entrance sign to reduce traffic and safety risks during the G7 Summit. Read more
🐻 Adorable grizzly bear family causes traffic pause. A mama grizzly and her cubs made a heart-melting appearance on Moraine Lake Road. Taken from within a Via Via Moraine Lake Shuttle. You can watch the full video here. Watch the video |  |
🚠 Banff Sunshine Village announces summer opening.
Mark your calendar - summer hiking and sightseeing at Sunshine Village kicks off on June 27, 2025. Details
🇨🇦 Canada Strong Pass launches June 20
A major summer perk is on the way for Canadians: free train rides, museum visits, and access to national parks for youth under 18, plus deep discounts for those aged 18-24. More
🚠 Banff’s best gondolas for jaw-dropping views
From soaring above Sulphur Mountain to spotting bears near Lake Louise, Banff’s gondolas are the ticket to next-level sightseeing. Whether you want a scenic ride, a wine-fuelled lunch with views, or the highest lift in the park, this guide breaks it all down. See the full list
🗺️ Tour Highlights: 🏔️ Moraine Lake (seasonal) • 💧 Lake Louise • 🌲 Emerald Lake • 🌉 Natural Bridge • 🌊 Johnston Canyon • 🛍️ Banff Town |  |
🐻 Banff black bear to be trapped and retrained
After snacking on human food at a picnic site, a young black bear is being targeted for collaring and aversive conditioning to keep it away from people. Full story
🏡 Banff hotelier plans heritage save amid housing project
An 80-year-old heritage apartment in Banff is set to be preserved as part of a larger plan to build 39 new staff housing bedrooms. See details
🌧️ Rain lowers fire danger in Banff and Canmore
Recent rain and cooler weather have dropped the wildfire risk to moderate in Canmore and low in Banff, though fire bans remain in place. Read more
Readers' Choice: Most Visited Links from the Last Issue
🛫 Ready, Set, Explore: Plan Your Trip Now!🏞️
🎟️Events, Activities & Live Music 🎸
We keep it short here - head to OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE for full descriptions and links.
Mon, 16th June
04:00 - 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise - Banff & Canmore
09:00 - 🚌 Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon - Banff
16:00 - 🩰 Dance Workshop - The Banff Centre - Banff
18:45 - 🏓 Pickleball - Banff Elementary School - Banff
20:00 - 🎶 Live Music Night - Three Bears - Banff
21:00 - 🎤 Open Mike Night - The Beaver - Banff
22:00 - 🎧 DJ Set - Konstance in the House - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 - 🎸 Live Music: Brent Lee - Rose & Crown - Banff
Tue, 17th June
04:00 - 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise - Banff & Canmore
09:00 - 🚌 Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon - Banff
12:00 - 💃 Dance Conditioning: Sundance Park - The Fenlands Rec Centre - Banff
17:30 - 🌈 BBQ: Pride in the Park - Sundance Park Pavilion - Banff
18:00 - 💍 Silver Charm Making Workshop - Oesa Art - Banff
22:00 - 🎤 Karaoke Night - Melissa's MisSteak - Banff
22:00 - 🎧 DJ Styler Nazo - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 - 🎸 Live Music: Halle Pontoon - Rose & Crown - Banff
Wed, 18th June
04:00 - 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise - Banff & Canmore
09:00 - 🚌 Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon - Banff
10:00 - 🥕 Banff Farmers Market - Central Park - Banff
15:00 - 🎶 Live Music Afternoon - Three Bears - Banff
18:30 - 🏺 Black Figure Ceramics - Oesa Art - Banff
18:30 - 🎸 Live Music: Andrew Staygold - Rimrock Hotel - Banff
19:00 - 🐻 Bear Aware: In-Person Session - The Fenlands - Banff
20:00 - 🍻 Beers for Queers - Banff Ave Brewery - Banff
22:00 - 🎤 Tommy's Open Mic - Tommy's Neighbourhood Pub - Banff
22:00 - 🎧 Music with DJ Hops - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 - 🎸 Live Music: Halle Pontoon - Rose & Crown - Banff
Thu, 19th June
04:00 - 🌄 Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise - Banff & Canmore
09:00 - 🚌 Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon - Banff
17:00 - 🥂 Bevvies & Business - Evergreen Cooperatives Association - The Moxy Hotel
18:00 - 🌇 Sunsets Patio Party - Rose & Crown - Banff
18:30 - 🎸 Live Music: Andrew Staygold - Rimrock Hotel - Banff
18:45 - 🏓 Pickleball - Banff Elementary School - Banff
19:00 - 🍹 Thirsty Thursday Party - Melissa's MisSteak - Banff
19:00 - 🇬🇷 Balkan Greek Night: Dinner Show - The Balkan - Banff
20:00 - 🍀 Irish Night: Live Music - St. James Gate - Banff
20:30 - 🎶 Live Music Thursdays - High Rollers - Banff
22:00 - 🎸 Live Music: Static - Rose & Crown - Banff
🎉 Want to see what’s coming up? OUR NEW EVENTS PAGE features a growing list of upcoming events, complete with descriptions and links.
📬 Community Classifieds 🏘️
🐎 Banff Bow River Horseback Ride – 1 Hour of Scenic Bliss. Saddle up for a peaceful ride through pine forests and along glacier-fed waters. Learn more.
🚴 The Local Banff Explorer E-Bike Tour - Cruise to lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife with a local guide on a scenic 2-hour ride near Banff. Book Now 🏞️
🚠 Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain Summit Experience - Ride to the summit, stroll the boardwalk to the Peak, and enjoy views of six mountain ranges. More 🏞️
🍷 Fairmont Banff Springs Culinary Tour - A 2.5-hour tasting tour of Alberta cuisine with behind-the-scenes access and a meet-the-chef at the iconic hotel. View Details 🏰
🧊 Explore the Columbia Icefield by Ice Explorer & Skywalk. Journey across ancient ice and take in jaw-dropping views from above the Sunwapta Valley. Find out more
🍺 Happy Hours & Food Specials 🍽️
Below are brief details of all the happy hours we could find in Banff. For more information, visit our dedicated Happy Hour Page.
🍻 Banff Ave Brewing Co (21:00+, Daily; 15:00-18:00, Fri)
🎖️ Banff Legion (15:00-17:00, Wed-Sat; 15:00-Close, Sun)
🫕 Bluebird (16:00-17:00, Daily)
🍕 Coyotes Southwestern Grill (16:30-18:00, Daily)
🍣 Hello Sunshine (16:30-17:30, Sun & Fri; 16:00-17:00, Sat)
🎳 High Rollers (16:00-18:00, Daily)
🌮 Magpie & Stump & El Patio (15:00-17:00 & 22:00+, Daily)
🥩 Melissa’s MisSteak (15:00-18:00, Daily; 22:00-02:00, Sun-Thurs)
🍸 Park Distillery (15:00-17:00, Daily)
🍺 Sheepdog Brewing (13:00-15:00, Mon-Fri)
🍔 The Eddie Burger + Bar (22:00-Close, Daily excl. holiday weekends)
🍷 The Fat Ox (14:00-18:00, Daily)
🍝 The Old Spaghetti Factory (14:00-17:00, Daily)
🐻 Three Bears Brewery (15:00-17:00, Daily)
⏰ Tommy’s (15:00-18:00 & 22:00- Close, Daily)
👋 That’s All For Now 🎬
Another week of mountain magic awaits! Jill & Kevin | Editor | What’s On Banff |  |
We would love to hear from you! Do you have a local event or community story to share? Would you like to give a shout-out to a local hero? Or perhaps you would like to provide us with feedback. Contact us via the link below. 📩
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